This Page Was Last Updated: 04/08/08
Lexington Police Promote “Road Respect”
Aggressive driving is a growing and dangerous traffic issue, usually representing a combination of unsafe and unlawful driving actions that demonstrate a conscious and willful disregard for the safety of others. It is becoming a growing source of fatalities and injuries on our roadways. The Lexington Police Department will be joining the Massachusetts State Police and other municipal departments in a statewide campaign to target aggressive driving and promote “Road Respect.” The campaign will run from March 26 – April 16, 2008.
According to a telephone survey of Massachusetts drivers, 67% do not see themselves as aggressive drivers. But in reality, almost anyone could be an aggressive driver. Most are people who are not obeying traffic and safety laws and not using common sense, like the driver rushing to hurrying to work on time, or a teen driver trying to impress a friend. An overwhelmingly majority of drivers say that they have been victims of aggressive driving behaviors. The most commonly cited offenses in the survey were:
 | Failing to yield the right of way |
| Following too closely (tailgating) |
| Switching lanes without signaling, improper passing (make unsafe lane changes) |
| Speeding |
| Disobeying traffic signals and signs |
| Driving recklessly |
Drivers can increase the safety of Massachusetts roadways by always driving in a responsible and courteous manner. Obeying the following common sense rules of the road can help prevent aggressive driving:
| Obey posted speed limits. Always allow extra travel time for unanticipated traffic and weather conditions. |
| Maintain a reasonable distance between your car and the car in front of you, the greater the speed, the greater the distance. |
| Concentrate on your driving – not on your cell phone, stereo, food, passengers or other distractions. |
| Never make rude or obscene gestures to other drivers. |
Remember that wearing your safety belt is the best way to protect yourself in the event of a serious incident caused by an aggressive driver. However, if you are confronted by an aggressive driver, remember to:
| Control you anger to avoid escalating the situation. |
| Attempt to get out of his or her way. |
| Avoid eye contact or obscene gestures. |
| If a serious incident occurs, immediately contact the nearest police agency by dialing 911. You can dial *77 on your cellular phone. You can also report it to the Registry of Motor Vehicles using a Driver Complaint Form. |
To learn more about the program or any other traffic related concerns, visit the Governor’s Highway Safety Bureau website at www.mass.gov/ghsb or contact Sgt. Michael McLean of the Lexington Police Department at mmclean@ci.lexington.ma.us